Disney has announced plans to acquire Lucasfilm for $4 billion. The purchase price will be paid approximately half in stock and half in cash.

George Lucas said in a statement, "For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. Itís now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. Iíve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. Iím confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disneyís reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment and consumer products."

Disney has announced plans to make new Star Wars films every two to three years, with the first one starting in 2015...